Top 5 things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

1. Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom

Coming to Siem Reap and not visiting Angkor Wat, is like going to Rome, and not visiting the Vatican, or going to Paris, and not visiting the Louvre. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, it was constructed in the 12th century, and is a site to behold.

Fun fact: there is no mortar in-between any of the stones, they achieved stability by grinding the stones together to make a tight fit.

To make the most out of your trip, I would highly recommend hiring a guide to explain the rich history of the site, if you would like me to provide you with the contact details of our guide please send me an email, he was wonderful during our stay and had a wealth of knowledge not only about Angkor Wat but all the sites in Siem Reap.

Things to know before you go:

Tickets to visit the site must be purchased, and can often sell out, get your guide to arrange them for you or book in advance, prices to visit the sites are as follows:

1 Day $37 USD
3 Days $62 USD
7 Days $72 USD

Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are religious monuments, and a place of worship, therefore proper clothing is required at all times. For men shorts to the knees and a sleeves to the elbows, and for women its best to wear pants and a long sleeved top, at a minimum sleeves to the elbows and no cleavage.

Hot tip, if you enter through the back gates there are less crowds and it’s much easier to get a good photo.

If you only have a day to explore Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom like I did I would recommend focusing your time on the following three sights:

Angkor Wat
Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm Temple

2. Sunset Quad Biking Tour

Looking for a touch of adventure while you are in Siem Reap, then a Sunset Quad Bike Tour is for you. The company will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to Quad Bike HQ, where they will fit you out with a helmet, face mask and provide you with a safety briefing. First time on a Quad? No problems, it was mine too, the instructors are very helpful and won’t let you ride without ensuring you can do so safely. If you decide that you are not confident to ride by yourself one of the instructors will drive for you!

The guided tour gives you a sense of life in Siem Reap, cruise through little villages, rice paddy, and wave to the locals. If you are lucky you might pass a group of grazing water buffalo or drive next to a heard of cows. You will stop for sunset at a rice paddy and watch the sun kiss the horizon, then if your group is feeling adventurous your tour leader will take you the long way home through the winding dirt roads.

The tour costs $32 USD (for a 1 person Quad Bike) or $43 (for 2 people on 1 Quad Bike), this price includes a helmet, face mask and a cold towel and water upon return.

I would suggest wearing leggings or pants to protect your legs from branches and mosquito, then a tank top or t-shirt, be warned you might get a little muddy but that’s all a part of the adventure.

Link: https://www.quad-adventure-cambodia.com/

3. Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village of Kampong Khleang

If like me, you like to glimpse into the life of the local people when visiting a new country, then I would highly recommend venturing out to Tonle Sap Lake to visit the Floating Fishing Village by boat. All the houses are built on stilts over the mangroves and are painted bight hues of blue, it’s truly a sight to behold.

As you wind your way through the village and the mangroves you will pop out onto the lake, which is actually the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. In need of a refreshment? not to worry someone will drive past on a boat selling ice cold beer for $1 USD and a variety of snacks.

There are a number of restaurants dotted throughout the village if you want to try the fresh catch of the day. There is also crocodile farm you can visit, where if you are brave enough you can even feed one.

Cost: Approximately $20 USD per person.

4. Explore the City on a Tuk Tuk

There is no denying that a Tuk Tuk is the best, and most enjoyable way to get around the city. If you are worried about negotiating the fare, download "Pass App" which is Cambodia's version of Uber for Tuk Tuk's. You just need a local Sim Card, all payment is still done in cash not on a credit card like Uber, and you will be shown the exact fare at the end of the ride.

The city is always bustling and hosts an array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. If you want to take some time to yourself, why not get a relaxing massage, for $26 USD an hour the prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend visiting Lemon Grass Garden Spa, their Deep Tissue Massage will have you walking on cloud 9.

5. Sunset Yoga at Wat Svay Romeat Pagoda

If you are looking for a unique experience in Siem Reap why not organize a sunrise or sunset yoga and meditation session. I was fortunate enough to experience both, but if like me, you find it difficult getting up in the morning I would recommend the sunset yoga.

The classes are private with the teacher customizing it to your needs. Set in a beautiful Pagoda, there is no better way to center yourself in a bustling city or after a full day of activity.